In a move that one might consider overly benevolent, Microsoft has promised to send out a fix for an issue caused by its final software update on Windows 7 even though it officially ended support for the operating system on January 14. The company rolled out its final update for Windows 7 on the same day. The issue is expected to affect users who have set ‘Stretch’ as the preferred fit for their desktop wallpaper. Microsoft hasn’t announced a date for the rollout of its fix.
According to a report by The Verge, Microsoft initially promised to fix the wallpaper issue only for customers who had purchased the “Extended Security Update (ESU) for on-premises versions” of Windows 7. But its support page for the software update in question (KB4534310) now reads, “We are working on a resolution and will provide an update in an upcoming release, which will be released to all customers running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1.” We’re not sure why Microsoft changed its mind.
According to the support page, installing the faulty update could cause the desktop wallpaper to appear black when the fit is set to ‘Stretch’. It’s a minor problem at most. Microsoft has not only promised to fix it in a future release but has also provided a couple of workarounds for those affected by it: “Set your custom image to an option other than Stretch, such as Fill, Fit, Tile, or Center.” The alternative solution is: “Choose a custom wallpaper that matches the resolution of your desktop.”
To change the desktop wallpaper or the fit on Windows 7, right-click in a blank space on the desktop and select Personalize. In the Control Panel window that opens, select Desktop Background. In the following screen, click on Picture position to pick a fit that’s not the problematic ‘Stretch’. Or click on Browse… to set a different image as your wallpaper. Given that Windows 7 is now deemed deprecated in Microsoft’s books, you might want to consider upgrading to Windows 10. To find out how you can go about doing that, click here.